Small, beautifully proportioned, almost doll-like, Ageha quietly comes on stage. She wears a dark, transparent, robe that barely covers her nakedness. She stands for a moment in silence, silhouetted by the red lights that illuminate the stage.
Then a shadow appears. The shadow of a giant or what looks like one strides purposefully, calmly, forward. He’s carrying rope. It’s Osada Steve, a brilliant shibari performer and the beautiful doll Ageha is about to be turned into his puppet in a well choreographed, exciting, erotic show.
The shibari skill level is very high as Osada Steve quickly ties then lifts the young woman into the air in a yokozuri (sideways suspension) accompanied by whippings and Ageha’s plaintive cries. Next, she’s bound in a santenzuri which, in a startling moment, is deftly transformed into a gyaku-ebi zuri (hanging hogtie) accompanied by wax. Clearly, this is a team that knows each other well and these difficult, sexy maneuvers are achieved with great skill. Ageha is a beautiful partner and seems to dance in the ropes, genuinely affected by rope, whip and wax.
It’s remarkable how far Osada Steve, a Westerner, has come as a big-time shibari performer in so little time. Always skillful, he has now reached a level that rivals the best of the Japanese. His command is clear in every gesture. He never rushes or makes a false move and, for those interested in how complex shibari is done, his work is wonderfully instructive. With rope he is grace itself.
This is a terrific video with attractive performers, decent camerawork and a well thought out, dramatic, musical score. It’s highly recommended for anyone interested in shibari, SM shows, or those interested in charting the course of a remarkable performer. Well done, Osada Steve!
